Fannin County School System held its Teacher of the Year Banquet on Jan. 23. Betty Holsonback received First Runner-up while Sarah Welch was named Teacher of the Year.
Fannin County started this tradition in 1989. This marks the 7th consecutive year that TDS has sponsored the event making it the special night the teachers deserve.

The room was full of family and friends of the nominated teachers. The nominees for the prestigious award where:

Amanda McBride – Blue Ridge Elementary School
Melanie Satterfield – East Fannin Elementary School
Betty Holsonback – West Fannin Elementary School
Lauren Payne – Fannin County Middle School
Sarah Welch – Fannin County High School

Each person is nominated by peers from her individual school. Each school winner then undergoes an interview process to declare the overall school system winner.

Before the winners were announce the crowd got to hear selections from the Fannin County High School Chorus and two solo pieces from senior Emily Carey.

Each of the School Board members told their appreciation to all teachers and the effects that he or she leaves on the future of Fannin County and the world.

School Superintendent Mark Henson also told his appreciation. Henson said,

“You are an artist, each brush stroke you paint, paints the future of your students.”

Henson went on to say that each person nominated was exceptionally dedicated, each inspires students, each earns respect from students and peers and each play an active role in the community.

Sarah Welch was named Teacher of the Year and Betty Holsonback was awarded First Runner-up.

This makes the first time in Fannin County history that a mother and daughter have both won this high honor. Sarah’s mother, Sherri Ballew, won the award in 2006.